RECREATION THERAPIST- PRN

River Oaks Hospital is a 126-bed behavioral health facility that provides inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency treatment. River Oaks's caring, and multidisciplinary staff has successfully provided inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency care to children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults since 1970. River Oaks Hospital is located in Harahan, LA on a short drive from New Orleans. River Oaks Hospital is a Joint Commission accredited hospital with a solid reputation in the community and is part of one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc.

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Job Summary

The Recreation Therapist plans, organizes, and administers an integrated Recreation Therapy function for the patients of River Oaks Hospital under the direction of the Director of Recreation Therapy; Provides activities and service for all patient population within the assigned groups and area of specific expertise.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient's leisure, social, and recreational abilities, deficiencies, interests, barriers, life experiences, needs, and potential
• Conducts group psychotherapy and psychoeducational sessions as needed; demonstrate a high level of clinical skill to address the needs of the patients. Demonstrates a high level of knowledge in the application of various therapeutic concepts, methods and interventions related to trauma and compulsive behaviors, addiction, and behavioral modification.
• Plans and assesses patient's progress treatment and discharge needs through attendance at staffing updates
• Contributes to interdisciplinary treatment plan

Skills and Competencies

• Previous experience in a mental health hospital setting is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective patient interaction.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to exhibit empathy, respect and compassion that involve understanding and care for patients.

Benefits Highlights :

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: uhsguest.com

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Human Services field required, with specialized skills development (i.e. recreation, art, music, dance, etc)
• Minimun of 2 years of Activity Therapy experience with a psychiatric mental health population required, preferably in an inpatient setting.
• Certification or registration in area of expertise from applicable certification board. (Ex: Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), Certified Board of Music Therapists (CBMT), American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), National Council for Theraeutic Recreation Certifications (NCTRC).
• Knowledge of hospital activity therapy functions, leadership skills, crisis intervention and risk assessment, psychiatric diagnoses symptomology, basic chemical dependency, age specific growth and development and crisis and behavior management. Knowledge and skill in provision of services to varied populations including adulta and dually diagnosed patients in an inpatient hospital setting.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients by providing exceptional care and support within our dynamic team and those we serve.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information, visit

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